How much does it cost to run a 3d printer?
A typical 3d printer draws about 120 watts. Used 4 hours a day, that works out to roughly $0.08 per day, $1.02 per month, and $12.24 per year on an average electricity rate of 17¢ per kWh. A 3D printer typically pulls about 120 watts, with the heated bed and extruder being the largest draws.
3D Printer running cost calculator
- Per day
- $0.08
- Per month
- $1.02
- Per year
- $12.24
- CO₂ / year
- 28.8 kg
Based on 72 kWh per year. Adjust the price per kWh to match your latest electricity bill for an exact figure.
The number that matters most is your own electricity rate. Rates range from under 11¢ per kWh in some regions to over 30¢ in others, so the same 3d printer can cost two or three times as much depending on where you live. Enter your exact rate in the calculator above to get a figure tailored to your bill.
Over a full year this 3d printer uses about 72 kWh of electricity and is responsible for roughly 28.8 kg of CO₂ emissions on an average grid. Reducing run time, or switching to a more efficient model, lowers both the cost and the footprint.
If this 3d printer is one you use daily, even small efficiency gains compound. Cutting its usage or wattage by 20% would save around $2.45 every year — money that an efficient replacement can recover over its lifetime.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to run a 3d printer per hour?
- At 120 watts and a 17¢/kWh rate, a 3d printer costs about $0.02 per hour to run.
- How much electricity does a 3d printer use per month?
- Running 4 hours a day, a 3d printer uses roughly 6.0 kWh per month, costing about $1.02.
- Is a 3d printer expensive to run?
- Not particularly — at around $12.24 per year, a 3d printer is a relatively minor part of most electricity bills.
- How can I reduce my 3d printer running costs?
- Use it during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing, reduce daily run time, and consider an ENERGY STAR rated 3d printer, which uses less power for the same job.